Virtual Erotic Book Club--Any Interest?
- Thread starter RomanHans
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Image
Mother Earth Seduced
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My humble review....
I'm not really sure how to go about reviewing books or stories. But I read a lot (mostly Sci-fi/Fantasy) and always seem to have an opinion about the quality of the story silently in my own mind anyway; so here goes.
To me, the concept was only slightly interesting. No surprises, fairly routine stuff, predictable; nothing that made my heart skip a beat. Frankly, I have read better stuff by the (so-called) amateurs on this site. I guess I prefer more seduction, more drawn out drama. It sounded more like "He said this, then She did that, then they came, then it was over". So for content, that's my opinion. As far as grammar? Nothing blatantly wrong. Readibility? Easy, low level. Stimulation factor? On a scale of 1-10? Probably a 2.
But this is all my opinion only, so I hope no one takes offense.
Good idea Roman....
I'm not really sure how to go about reviewing books or stories. But I read a lot (mostly Sci-fi/Fantasy) and always seem to have an opinion about the quality of the story silently in my own mind anyway; so here goes.
To me, the concept was only slightly interesting. No surprises, fairly routine stuff, predictable; nothing that made my heart skip a beat. Frankly, I have read better stuff by the (so-called) amateurs on this site. I guess I prefer more seduction, more drawn out drama. It sounded more like "He said this, then She did that, then they came, then it was over". So for content, that's my opinion. As far as grammar? Nothing blatantly wrong. Readibility? Easy, low level. Stimulation factor? On a scale of 1-10? Probably a 2.
But this is all my opinion only, so I hope no one takes offense.
Good idea Roman....
Many thanks for taking the plunge, Image!
First of all, I don't think we should worry too much about anyone taking offense from the comments here. The author of the story is not a participant (as far as I know) and I certainly don't intend to forward our comments to her. The idea here is to look at examples of erotic literature and, as you have done, provide our reactions and evaluations.
That said, I'd say that I agree in general with your assessment, although I'd probably be more generous in my evaluation. I did think that the concept was somewhat novel when I first read the story--but again, I'm not someone who has extensive experience in reading erotica. But the theme seems to defy categorization--is this an example of a non-consensual encounter? Or a purely erotic relationship?
As for style, I agree that the author could do better at providing more engaging imagery and detail. One interesting detail--did anyone else notice that it seems that there is absolutely no physical description of Kyle, the male protagonist, anywhere in the story? On the other hand, Juana's appearance is revealed in greater detail as the story and her exhibitionism progresses. In the end, Kyle seems to be simply the means for Juana to discover her sexuality and exhibitionism, and so his only feature that matters is his money, which gives Juana the initial 'excuse' for her to engage in this behavior.
I found the story intriguing and, to be honest, stimulating, especially when I visualized the action in my head. I think it goes beyond most 'amateur' works in looking at the psychology behind this particular encounter, as well as the physical attraction. I'd give it points for an intriguing idea, but agree that the style is a bit deficient. Then again, I don't get the impression that this was meant to be a very polished story--more of a 'fire and forget' effort, so to speak.
Anyone? Bueller? Anyone?
Roman
First of all, I don't think we should worry too much about anyone taking offense from the comments here. The author of the story is not a participant (as far as I know) and I certainly don't intend to forward our comments to her. The idea here is to look at examples of erotic literature and, as you have done, provide our reactions and evaluations.
That said, I'd say that I agree in general with your assessment, although I'd probably be more generous in my evaluation. I did think that the concept was somewhat novel when I first read the story--but again, I'm not someone who has extensive experience in reading erotica. But the theme seems to defy categorization--is this an example of a non-consensual encounter? Or a purely erotic relationship?
As for style, I agree that the author could do better at providing more engaging imagery and detail. One interesting detail--did anyone else notice that it seems that there is absolutely no physical description of Kyle, the male protagonist, anywhere in the story? On the other hand, Juana's appearance is revealed in greater detail as the story and her exhibitionism progresses. In the end, Kyle seems to be simply the means for Juana to discover her sexuality and exhibitionism, and so his only feature that matters is his money, which gives Juana the initial 'excuse' for her to engage in this behavior.
I found the story intriguing and, to be honest, stimulating, especially when I visualized the action in my head. I think it goes beyond most 'amateur' works in looking at the psychology behind this particular encounter, as well as the physical attraction. I'd give it points for an intriguing idea, but agree that the style is a bit deficient. Then again, I don't get the impression that this was meant to be a very polished story--more of a 'fire and forget' effort, so to speak.
Anyone? Bueller? Anyone?
Roman
Image
Mother Earth Seduced
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Ahhhh, Roman I can see this story in a different light after reading your take on it. I approached it from a different angle and missed a lot of the nuances that you point out.
I saw a "plot" possibly but it seemed scattered not focused. Other than this site (and old penthouses as a kid) I didn't read Erotica at all. I never knew how much a fan I really was. But I guess I know what I like in any story.
You presented a couple of really good questions that hadn't even crossed my mind.
Was this a consensual relationship? In my mind I never considered it not to be. Juana appeared to do whatever she wanted. It's not Kyles fault if he purposely chose a weak minded individual. In the beginning he told her, didn't he? But then maybe you could even consider it mind control, and in that case non-consensual. But through the story, I always thought of it as an erotic adventure, I thought she knew what she was doing. He chose her for specific reasons, he said. Maybe he didn't tell her the whole truth in his reasoning.
It's interesting also that you would notice no description of Kyle's physical being. You are correct but something from the beginning of the story gave me an image that stayed the duration. I wonder where I got it from, because as you point out, Maria didn't give one. I'm going to go back and look at that text again. What is your description of him? I will tell you mine and it will be interesting to see how they compare....
(before I reread the story)
OK... About age 39-40, grew up educated and spoiled. Sees sex as ever increasing challenge to his imagination and is bored easily.
Light brown hair, a full head, but beginning to grey around the temples. Clean shaven. Skin, freckled as a youth, smoothe enough to be sure, but not pure silk, say with an exotic heritage. Dressed in a suit and tie, very proper, very deliberate. About 6 foot, 190lbs. Hands manicured and not really tanned, but not feeble or transparent whitish either.
Not one to say ANYTHING that he hasn't given thought to first, methodical.
And how insightful of you! Kyle as only a 'vehicle' she uses to promote her explorations! Very cool..... Then Maria deserves much more credit than I gave her initially.
Thanks for the authentic and provoking insights, Roman....
I like this,
Image
I saw a "plot" possibly but it seemed scattered not focused. Other than this site (and old penthouses as a kid) I didn't read Erotica at all. I never knew how much a fan I really was.
But I guess I know what I like in any story.You presented a couple of really good questions that hadn't even crossed my mind.
Was this a consensual relationship? In my mind I never considered it not to be. Juana appeared to do whatever she wanted. It's not Kyles fault if he purposely chose a weak minded individual. In the beginning he told her, didn't he? But then maybe you could even consider it mind control, and in that case non-consensual. But through the story, I always thought of it as an erotic adventure, I thought she knew what she was doing. He chose her for specific reasons, he said. Maybe he didn't tell her the whole truth in his reasoning.
It's interesting also that you would notice no description of Kyle's physical being. You are correct but something from the beginning of the story gave me an image that stayed the duration. I wonder where I got it from, because as you point out, Maria didn't give one. I'm going to go back and look at that text again. What is your description of him? I will tell you mine and it will be interesting to see how they compare....
(before I reread the story)
OK... About age 39-40, grew up educated and spoiled. Sees sex as ever increasing challenge to his imagination and is bored easily.
Light brown hair, a full head, but beginning to grey around the temples. Clean shaven. Skin, freckled as a youth, smoothe enough to be sure, but not pure silk, say with an exotic heritage. Dressed in a suit and tie, very proper, very deliberate. About 6 foot, 190lbs. Hands manicured and not really tanned, but not feeble or transparent whitish either.
Not one to say ANYTHING that he hasn't given thought to first, methodical.
And how insightful of you! Kyle as only a 'vehicle' she uses to promote her explorations! Very cool..... Then Maria deserves much more credit than I gave her initially.
Thanks for the authentic and provoking insights, Roman....
I like this,
Image
For some reason, my mental image of Kyle isn't that far off from yours. I had him pegged as a bit older (in his mid-forties), someone who was well-traveled, probably got rich initially off the dot-com boom and now trying hard to pass himself off as a man of leisure. Clearly egotistical, however, so I agree that he probably dresses well, but in a deliberately casual fashion (silk shirt and dark slacks).
I agree that the story is not really non-consensual, since Juana could probably refuse the money at any time--although this would then of course refute the whole premise of the story, that every woman has her price. But I think that Maria is implying throughout the story that the money is just an excuse, and that once her sexuality is awakened, Juana would probably engage in Kyle's little game without the need for any financial incentives.
And a further question is, does Maria Gonzales really mean that EVERY woman has her price? That any woman who is put in that position at least might be tempted to act the way that Juana did?
Roman
I agree that the story is not really non-consensual, since Juana could probably refuse the money at any time--although this would then of course refute the whole premise of the story, that every woman has her price. But I think that Maria is implying throughout the story that the money is just an excuse, and that once her sexuality is awakened, Juana would probably engage in Kyle's little game without the need for any financial incentives.
And a further question is, does Maria Gonzales really mean that EVERY woman has her price? That any woman who is put in that position at least might be tempted to act the way that Juana did?
Roman
Image
Mother Earth Seduced
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Roman, I believe that everyONE has their price. Not necessarily though in the sex department and not necessarily monetarily. There comes a time when quality of life is far more important than quantity of money. I think in the beginning she did it strictly for the pittance he threw at her, (cheap bastard). Then as she began to enjoy it, took advantage of him (Not that he didn't deserve it, but IMO, that's the sin here). I tend to overanalyze things though, so just ssshh me if I begin to get on your nerves.
Going back to reread it from a new perspective now,
Image
I think in the beginning she did it strictly for the pittance he threw at her, (cheap bastard). Then as she began to enjoy it, took advantage of him (Not that he didn't deserve it, but IMO, that's the sin here). I tend to overanalyze things though, so just ssshh me if I begin to get on your nerves. Going back to reread it from a new perspective now,
Image
Hello...o...o (echo)
Not to belittle the contributions of Image in any way, shape, or form, but doesn't anyone else have something to say? Or was the first selection for the club not that interesting?
Always welcome other suggestions for reading as well!
Roman
Not to belittle the contributions of Image in any way, shape, or form, but doesn't anyone else have something to say? Or was the first selection for the club not that interesting?
Always welcome other suggestions for reading as well!
Roman
Mysticcal
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ok I finally got around to reading the whole thing....and just got finished reading all your comments.
I didn't find it the most wonderful erotica I have read, but it wasn't too bad. The imagery definitely needed work, and I didn't exactly like the ending scene......if Kyle really was in control like the situation was set up, then I find it unlikely that he would just do what Juana said. Seemed a bit out of character.
I definitely see that Juana did have a price, but the money was only an excuse. She used it as an excuse to do exactly what she wanted to do......and she totally enjoyed it, probably because she could lie to herself and say it was only for the money, not having to accept that she would do it anyway.
As for the author making a statement that all women have a price.....well, I don't know. I found it interesting that he chose a young woman from a hanmburger shop......someone that money might tempt more, that had no reputation to worry about, etc.
As for my image of him, I actually saw him as younger, more immature.....dabbling with this idea. LOL! guess I didn't like him too much for some reason.
oh well, that's MHO....will think about it some more and maybe add or change my initial opinion.
I didn't find it the most wonderful erotica I have read, but it wasn't too bad. The imagery definitely needed work, and I didn't exactly like the ending scene......if Kyle really was in control like the situation was set up, then I find it unlikely that he would just do what Juana said. Seemed a bit out of character.
I definitely see that Juana did have a price, but the money was only an excuse. She used it as an excuse to do exactly what she wanted to do......and she totally enjoyed it, probably because she could lie to herself and say it was only for the money, not having to accept that she would do it anyway.
As for the author making a statement that all women have a price.....well, I don't know. I found it interesting that he chose a young woman from a hanmburger shop......someone that money might tempt more, that had no reputation to worry about, etc.
As for my image of him, I actually saw him as younger, more immature.....dabbling with this idea. LOL! guess I didn't like him too much for some reason.
oh well, that's MHO....will think about it some more and maybe add or change my initial opinion.
Hello Roman.....this story had an interesting premise , so far-fetched to keep my attention but I'm not really turned on by this type of writing. The idea that Juana was so turned on by giving complete strangers blow jobs in bars was laughable to me. Did anyone ever notice too that one moment she was protesting.....a minute later she was playing with herself? I also get a kick out of these ladies who cum so quickly , if giving a guy you just met a bj is that arousing I'm missing out somewhere.
I think of Kyle as a spoiled , bored older man who enjoys watching ladies doing things to degrade themselves. To me he is the ultimate misogynist ......on a scale of 1-10 I would give this a 3.
cookie
I think of Kyle as a spoiled , bored older man who enjoys watching ladies doing things to degrade themselves. To me he is the ultimate misogynist ......on a scale of 1-10 I would give this a 3.
cookie
Hmmm, seems like our first selection struck most people as more or less mediocre. I'm also one of those who doesn't have a 'fine appreciation' of erotica, having had a fairly limited exposure to published erotica.
Anyone want to suggest a more ambitious selection for further discussion? Or I could reach into my bookmarks and find another story on-line, but I can't guarantee that it will be much better than Ms. Gonzales' work...
Roman
PS Anyone else have the suspicion that Ms. Gonzales might be a man? The story is at its heart one of the classic male fantasies...the girl next door who turns out to be a closet slut and just needs the right outlet to turn wild. Well, maybe that's just one of my fantasies .
Anyone want to suggest a more ambitious selection for further discussion? Or I could reach into my bookmarks and find another story on-line, but I can't guarantee that it will be much better than Ms. Gonzales' work...
Roman
PS Anyone else have the suspicion that Ms. Gonzales might be a man? The story is at its heart one of the classic male fantasies...the girl next door who turns out to be a closet slut and just needs the right outlet to turn wild. Well, maybe that's just one of my fantasies
.
Mysticcal
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RomanHans said:Hmmm, seems like our first selection struck most people as more or less mediocre. I'm also one of those who doesn't have a 'fine appreciation' of erotica, having had a fairly limited exposure to published erotica.
Anyone want to suggest a more ambitious selection for further discussion? Or I could reach into my bookmarks and find another story on-line, but I can't guarantee that it will be much better than Ms. Gonzales' work...
Roman
PS Anyone else have the suspicion that Ms. Gonzales might be a man? The story is at its heart one of the classic male fantasies...the girl next door who turns out to be a closet slut and just needs the right outlet to turn wild. Well, maybe that's just one of my fantasies
Roman, I have nothing to suggest, so throw another out from your bookmarks. Don't worry about how good it is, it will give us something to discuss regardless.
I have the same suspicion, that story did not seem to be written from a women's point of view, but maybe she didn't intend it to be. LOL going back to re-reading Exit to Eden in the meantime
Image
Mother Earth Seduced
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Just wondering... Are we allowed to suggest something written on Lit? Or are we trying to go for other sources purposely? I think this whole thread is a good idea, I am not opposed to expanding my horizons. Just tell me where to look....
Image said:
Image...bless you, but I'd really appreciate it if folks stop talking about what's "allowed" or not. This book club is for the benefit of the participants. If you find a striking example of good, or at least interesting, erotica on Lit, I say go for it and post a link. I personally prefer to look elsewhere, since I'm hoping to find examples of very good, peer-reviewed or quasi-published erotica (and I freely admit that the first example was probably neither). The point is to find something that will provoke discussion and possibly inspire us all to write or read with a more sophisticated flair, regardless of the source of inspiration.
IMHO, that is.
Roman
Image
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Here's one for you....
Hi Roman,
I don't know if anyone is still interested but here goes...
The title is "The Book of Shadows", by James Reese. It is his first novel and IMO an excellent effort. His descriptions are graphic and intense.... It takes place in 19th century France, Gothic and dark. Bizarre and sometimes violent, it may not appeal to everyone, however I think you would like it .... Whether or not it was written as pure erotica or not I can't say, but it certainly contains enough of it to offer it as a selection for discussion. Beautifully penned, it is erotica not pornography......
It is not a short read either, which is fine with me, I have savored every page...... I am only half way through it and already do not want it to end. It has been a saving grace in my forced hiatus from this site.....
Let me know...
Hi Roman,
I don't know if anyone is still interested but here goes...
The title is "The Book of Shadows", by James Reese. It is his first novel and IMO an excellent effort. His descriptions are graphic and intense.... It takes place in 19th century France, Gothic and dark. Bizarre and sometimes violent, it may not appeal to everyone, however I think you would like it .... Whether or not it was written as pure erotica or not I can't say, but it certainly contains enough of it to offer it as a selection for discussion. Beautifully penned, it is erotica not pornography......
It is not a short read either, which is fine with me, I have savored every page...... I am only half way through it and already do not want it to end. It has been a saving grace in my forced hiatus from this site.....
Let me know...
Re: Here's one for you....
Thanks for the recommendation...I have one of my own--The Marketplace by Laura Antoniou. It's apparently well-known in the BDSM genre, and was recommended by the store clerk at my local adult 'novelty' store. It's started well, and I'll post my own review soon.
Hope all is well with you--good to see you here and reviving this thread!
Roman
Image said:Hi Roman,
I don't know if anyone is still interested but here goes...
The title is "The Book of Shadows", by James Reese. It is his first novel and IMO an excellent effort. His descriptions are graphic and intense.... It takes place in 19th century France, Gothic and dark. Bizarre and sometimes violent, it may not appeal to everyone, however I think you would like it .... Whether or not it was written as pure erotica or not I can't say, but it certainly contains enough of it to offer it as a selection for discussion. Beautifully penned, it is erotica not pornography......
It is not a short read either, which is fine with me, I have savored every page...... I am only half way through it and already do not want it to end. It has been a saving grace in my forced hiatus from this site.....
Let me know...
Thanks for the recommendation...I have one of my own--The Marketplace by Laura Antoniou. It's apparently well-known in the BDSM genre, and was recommended by the store clerk at my local adult 'novelty' store
. It's started well, and I'll post my own review soon.Hope all is well with you--good to see you here and reviving this thread!
Roman
An update
I'm close to the finish of The Marketplace and I feel it's very good, although a bit more disturbing than I normally would like...it really delves into the nature of what it means to be a complete slave to a master, in giving up all sense of self as a sacrifice for the pleasure of pure submissiveness...a very interesting character study.
Also, the book seems to have a dim view of the BDSM 'play scene,' depicting those who are into purely recreational BDSM as dilettantes and not really understanding the attraction of real dominance and submission. Since I don't have any experience with 'the scene,' I can't evaluate that critique but it's an interesting point of view. I'm very much intrigued by the way that submission can be a sexual pursuit in an intrinsic way, so that the pleasure of submission is not dependent on the persona of the dom or domme.
Anyhow, I'll shut up now and finish the book!
Roman
I'm close to the finish of The Marketplace and I feel it's very good, although a bit more disturbing than I normally would like...it really delves into the nature of what it means to be a complete slave to a master, in giving up all sense of self as a sacrifice for the pleasure of pure submissiveness...a very interesting character study.
Also, the book seems to have a dim view of the BDSM 'play scene,' depicting those who are into purely recreational BDSM as dilettantes and not really understanding the attraction of real dominance and submission. Since I don't have any experience with 'the scene,' I can't evaluate that critique but it's an interesting point of view. I'm very much intrigued by the way that submission can be a sexual pursuit in an intrinsic way, so that the pleasure of submission is not dependent on the persona of the dom or domme.
Anyhow, I'll shut up now and finish the book!
Roman
MercyMia
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bump
Sorry, I should have spoken up sooner.
I finally got to read Vox, by Nicholson Baker, earlier this year. It was funny and sexy. Lightweight reading. Great for vacations.
I'm re-reading The Museum Guard, by Howard Norman. The first time I read it a couple of years ago, the erotic angle was completely lost on me. However, now that I've written a little erotica and read some of the Lit stories, I'm finding subtle but sublime erotic references. It's like a humming beneath the skin of the novel.
Here's an excerpt:
The evening proceeded then, without interruption, and Imogen did not protest anything we did. And I did not protest. When we finished the first time, I put on my trousers. Imogen did not get dressed at all. Instead she walked out into the museum and sat on the middle bench, looking at Jewess on a Street in Amsterdam. From the custodian's doorway I could see moonlight pooled on the floor. Imogen gazed at the painting without cease. I drank a glass of water and lay back down on the sofa. Imogen stayed with the painting for at least a half hour more. And when she returned to the custodian's room, she did not shut the door. We started right up again. Holding on as if for dear life, is how I remember it. (137)
Mmmm, maybe it's just me. I like understatement better than graphic writing.
Mia
Sorry, I should have spoken up sooner.
I finally got to read Vox, by Nicholson Baker, earlier this year. It was funny and sexy. Lightweight reading. Great for vacations.
I'm re-reading The Museum Guard, by Howard Norman. The first time I read it a couple of years ago, the erotic angle was completely lost on me. However, now that I've written a little erotica and read some of the Lit stories, I'm finding subtle but sublime erotic references. It's like a humming beneath the skin of the novel.
Here's an excerpt:
The evening proceeded then, without interruption, and Imogen did not protest anything we did. And I did not protest. When we finished the first time, I put on my trousers. Imogen did not get dressed at all. Instead she walked out into the museum and sat on the middle bench, looking at Jewess on a Street in Amsterdam. From the custodian's doorway I could see moonlight pooled on the floor. Imogen gazed at the painting without cease. I drank a glass of water and lay back down on the sofa. Imogen stayed with the painting for at least a half hour more. And when she returned to the custodian's room, she did not shut the door. We started right up again. Holding on as if for dear life, is how I remember it. (137)
Mmmm, maybe it's just me. I like understatement better than graphic writing.
Mia
Wow, glad to have someone other than me resurrect a thread that I started!
BTW, the author of The Marketplace, Laura Antonioiu, is making some appearances around the country related to her series of books.
Tour calendar
MercyMia--I like your view that understatement can be very erotic...although I have to admit that explicit, no-holds-barred descriptions of sex can be exciting, if done properly. Now if only I could figure out what 'done properly' constitutes!
Roman
BTW, the author of The Marketplace, Laura Antonioiu, is making some appearances around the country related to her series of books.
Tour calendar
MercyMia--I like your view that understatement can be very erotic...although I have to admit that explicit, no-holds-barred descriptions of sex can be exciting, if done properly. Now if only I could figure out what 'done properly' constitutes!
Roman
MercyMia
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RomanHans said:
Pssst, Laura Antonoui is going to be in Baltimore early May! You going?
I agree, Roman. Understatement AND outright no-holds-barred descriptions have their uses. I like it when a writer has full capacity over both types of writing. After all, sex isn't just one speed.
Mia
catastrophe
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Hi all...
This was started before I was really posted on lit but if it gets resurrected and another story is chosen I'd definately try to find the time to get involved. I do agree that it would be about a bazillion times easier to do if it was something online to read... also for the fact that I never leave my computer these days! Hehe.
--cat
This was started before I was really posted on lit but if it gets resurrected and another story is chosen I'd definately try to find the time to get involved. I do agree that it would be about a bazillion times easier to do if it was something online to read... also for the fact that I never leave my computer these days! Hehe.
--cat
catastrophe said:
Greetings cat...I think that this thread is accepting new members all the time, seeing as how it's been long-dormant! If you have an interesting example of on-line erotica that you think others might want to read and comment on, feel free to post it. I don't think that your level of Lit 'experience' should preclude you from participating!
Roman
Last edited:
catastrophe
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Hehe... Thanks... I'll keep my eye open for online stories, but lately I've been mostly caught up with lit... Between reading and writing I've kept myself occupied. *grin*
--cat
--cat
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